KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is pleased to announce that for the twelfth consecutive year, participating BURGER KING® franchisees will be raising funds throughout the month of November for the VFW’s Unmet Needs program. Patrons are encouraged to donate $1 or more to the program upon checkout. The fundraising campaign officially begins Nov. 1, and last year raised nearly $800,000.

“America’s military and veteran families have given so much to our country, and not being able to make their rent or mortgage payment is a stress they shouldn’t have,” said VFW National Commander B.J. Lawrence. “Every year, BURGER KING® franchisees and their loyal patrons set the bar of support higher and higher, helping to ensure the VFW can keep meeting the needs of America’s service members and veterans and provide them with the support they deserve.”

The Unmet Needs program provides financial assistance to service members and military families during times of financial hardship, providing them financial grants toward basic life necessities like rent, mortgage and utility payments, vehicle repair, medical expenses and food. Since its inception in 2004, Unmet Needs has provided more than $10.5 million in aid to nearly 9,000 service members, veterans and their families.

Since 2007, BURGER KING® franchisees have raised more than $5.3 million in support of the program. More than 1,000 locations nationwide participated in last year’s fundraising campaign with even higher participation expected this year.

About the BURGER KING® brand: Founded in 1954, the BURGER KING® brand is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. The original HOME OF THE WHOPPER®, the BURGER KING® system operates more than 14,000 locations in approximately 100 countries and U.S. territories. Almost 100 percent of BURGER KING® restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. The BURGER KING® brand is owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc. (TSX,NYSE:QSR), one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with more than $23 billion in system sales and over 19,000 restaurants. To learn more about the BURGER KING® brand, please visit the BURGER KING® brand website at www.bk.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.